Title: The influence of barefoot running on running kinetics. Objectives: The aim of this work is to assess the influence of different footwear (regular running shoes, barefoot footwear and barefoot running) on footstrike (rear-foot strike, mid-foot strike and fore-foot strike) during running and evaluate the action of reaction forces in different types of footstrike. Methods: In this study participated 11 runners (only men), who were divided in three groups based on their preferred footwear. Kinetic data (reaction forces) were collected by using a Kistler force plate, which was crossed by the participants with subjectively chosen speed. Kinematic parameters of running (speed) and video recordings of a single footstrikes were obtained by using a Qualisys system of optoelectronic stereophotogrammetry. All the measurements occurred during one day. Collected data were exported to Microsoft Excel 2013 programme, where the graphs of reaction forces were created and to Qualisys Track Manager software. Assessment was based on created graphs and video recordings. Results: The results show that runners wearing regular running shoes preferred a rear- foot strike, while among runners in barefoot footwear a fore-foot strike than mid-foot strike prevailed a bit. Among barefoot runners dominated a fore-foot...

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Bill Zhang / Vibration has been a consideration in many types of structures, and as the advancement of technology has allowed steel and concrete sections to become lighter, vibration has become more of a consideration in the design of structures. This report focuses on occupant induced vibration of steel framed floors due to running as the vibration source. The history of vibration analysis and criteria in structures is discussed. However, lack of research and experimentation on running as the source of vibration exists; therefore, the history section focuses on walking as the source of vibration. The current design criteria for vibration of steel framed floors in the United States of America is the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Design Guide 11: Vibrations of Steel Framed Structural Systems Due to Human Activity. This design guide discusses vibration due to walking, running, and rhythmic activities as well as gives design criteria for sensitive occupancies and sensitive equipment. In order to apply the Design Guide 11 analysis procedure for running as the source of vibration, the Kansas State University Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex is used as a case study. The recreation complex includes a 1/5-mile running track that is supported by a composite steel framed floor. Based on the Design Guide 11 criterion, the running track is deemed acceptable. Lastly, this report discusses remedial procedures in the case of annoying floor vibration specific to floors that have running as a source of vibration. In addition, areas of further research are suggested where running is a source of vibration on steel framed floors.

Chan Oi Wan = 運動前進食不同血糖指數食物及運動中補充碳水化合物飲料對長跑能力的影響 / 陳靄允. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-91). / Text in English; abstracts in English and Chinese. / Chan Oi Wan = Yun dong qian jin shi bu tong xue tang zhi shu shi wu ji yun dong zhong bu chong tan shui hua he wu yin liao dui chang pao neng li de ying xiang / Chen Aiyun. / Acknowledgments --- p.i / Abstract --- p.iii / Table of Contents --- p.vii / List of Figures --- p.ix / List of Tables --- p.x / Chapter Chapter One --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Purpose --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- Significance of the Study --- p.5 / Chapter Chapter Two --- Review of Literature --- p.6 6 / Chapter 2.1 --- "Energy Metabolism during Prolonged, Submaximal Exercise" --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2 --- Importance of Nutrition on Exercise Performance --- p.9 / Chapter 2.3 --- Application of GI --- p.20 / Chapter CHAPTER Three --- Methodology --- p.36 / Chapter 3.1 --- General Methods --- p.36 / Chapter 3.2 --- Preliminary Testing --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3 --- Subjects --- p.45 / Chapter 3.4 --- Experimental Design --- p.46 / Chapter 3.5 --- Procedures --- p.47 / Chapter 3.6 --- Prescribed Meals --- p.50 / Chapter 3.7 --- Prescribed CHO-electrolyte Drink --- p.50 / Chapter 3.8 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.51 / Chapter Chapter Four --- Results --- p.52 / Chapter 4.1 --- Dietary Analysis --- p.52 / Chapter 4.2 --- Running Performance --- p.52 / Chapter 4.3 --- Blood Metabolites --- p.53 / Chapter 4.4 --- Metabolic Responses --- p.60 / Chapter 4.5 --- Subjective Responses and Heart Rates Responses --- p.61 / Chapter Chapter Five --- Discussion --- p.64 / Recommendations and Applications --- p.70 / References --- p.72 / Appendices --- p.95

Thesis (M.S.)--Boise State University, 2009. / Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 51-54).

No description available.

This study examined the effects of plyometrics on running economy, performance, and Achilles tendon properties in female distance runners. Seventeen University athletes matched by running economy were randomly assigned to an experimental group that received supplementary plyometrics training (n=9) or a control group that performed run-training only (n=8). Subject attrition led to a final sample of twelve runners (6 experimental, 6 controls). Measurements were made pre-post an 8-week training period. Running economy was measured as oxygen consumption at three submaximal speeds, performance as time to run 3000 meters, and Achilles tendon properties were estimated via ultrasound during ramp, quasi-isometric plantar flexion to maximum on an isokinetic dynamometer. No significant differences were found between the two groups after eight weeks because of poor subject compliance and excessive variability in ultrasound measurements. The results are inconclusive as to the effect of supplementary plyometric training on running economy, performance and Achilles tendon properties.

We present a novel control strategy for running which is robust to disturbances, and makes excellent use of passive dynamics for energy economy. The motivation for our control strategy is based on observations of animals, which are able to economically walk and run over varying terrain and ground dynamics. It is well-known that steady-state animal running can be approximated by spring-mass models, but these passive dynamic models describe only steady-state running and are sensitive to disturbances that animals can accommodate. While animals rely on their passive dynamics for energy economy, they also incorporate active control for disturbance rejection. The same approach can be used for spring-mass walking and running, but an active controller is needed that interferes minimally with the passive dynamics of the system. We demonstrate, in simulation, how force control combined with a leg spring stiffness tuned for the desired hopping frequency provides robustness to disturbances on a model for robot hopping, while maintaining the energy economy of a completely passive system during steady-state operation. Our strategy is promising for robotics applications, because there is a clear distinction between the passive dynamic behavior of the model and the active controller, it does not require sensing of the environment, and it is based on a sound theoretical background that is compatible with existing high-level controllers for ideal spring-mass models. / Graduation date: 2012

Thesis (M.S.)--Boise State University, 2009. / Title from t.p. of PDF file (viewed June 7, 2010). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 51-54).

Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston University

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o comportamento de 15 variáveis cinemáticas (tempo de passada, tempo de suporte, tempo de balanço, comprimento de passada, comprimento de passada relativo, freqüência de passada, ângulos do joelho e tornozelo no foot strike e no take-off, máxima flexão do tronco e máxima flexão do joelho na fase de suporte, amplitude angular do cotovelo durante a passada, máxima pronação da parte posterior do pé e amplitude vertical do centro de massa) e 8 variáveis neuromusculares (ativação elétrica muscular do reto femoral, vasto lateral, semitendinoso e bíceps femoral - porção curta – nas fases de suporte e balanço) da corrida, correlacionando-as com a economia de corrida (ECO). Dezesseis homens (idade: 27+1 anos; consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2máx): 56,4+4,8 ml.kg-1.min), corredores fundistas com experiência em provas de 10.000 metros, realizaram um teste submáximo de corrida em esteira rolante na velocidade de 16 km.h-1 correspondente a uma intensidade média de 10,7% abaixo do limiar anaeróbio (LA) e a uma velocidade média de 11,1% abaixo da velocidade no LA. Foi utilizado um ergoespirômetro portátil para registro do consumo submáximo de oxigênio (VO2submáx) e para o registro das variáveis cinemáticas e neuromusculares da corrida, um sistema de captura de vídeo composto de duas filmadoras digitais de 120 Hz e um eletromiógrafo portátil de quatro canais com freqüência de amostragem de 2000 Hz por canal. O valor de ECO correspondeu à média do VO2submáx nos últimos dois minutos de teste, num total de seis minutos. A magnitude das variáveis cinemáticas e neuromusculares foram determinadas a partir da média de três ciclos de passada contabilizadas a partir da terceira passada do quarto minuto de teste. Foi feita a análise descritiva e aplicados os testes de Normalidade, Correlação Produto Momento de Pearson e Regressão Linear Múltipla. Verificaram-se relações diretas (+) e inversas (-) das variáveis cinemáticas (freqüência de passada (-28,3%), comprimento de passada (+23,0%), ângulo do joelho no foot strike (-12,7%), amplitude vertical do centro de massa (-7,2%), amplitude angular do cotovelo durante a passada (+5,6%), tempo de balanço (+3,2%), ângulo do tornozelo no foot strike (-0,6%) e comprimento de passada relativo (+0,4%)) com a ECO, totalizando 81%, e relações das variáveis neuromusculares (ativação elétrica muscular do semitendinoso na fase de suporte (+11,3%), do reto femoral (-4,3%) e do semitendinoso (+3,4%) na fase de balanço) com a ECO, totalizando 19%. Portanto, mudanças na técnica de corrida e na ativação elétrica muscular podem resultar em mudanças na ECO em corredores de 10.000 metros, que estejam se exercitando a uma intensidade próxima de 10% abaixo do LA. / The aim of the present study was to analyze the behavior of 15 kinematic variables (stride time, contact time, balance time, stride length, relative stride length, stride frequency, angles of the knee and ankle in foot strike and take-off, maximal flexion of the trunk and maximal flexion of the knee in the swing, angle excursion of the elbow, maximal pronation of the subtalar joint and vertical oscillation of the mass center) and 8 neuromuscular variables (electromyographic signal amplitude (EMG) of the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, rectus femoris and semitendinosus muscles in the stance and swing) of distance running, correlating them with the running economy (ECO). Sixteen men (age: 27+1 years; maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max): 56,4+4,8 ml.kg-1.min), distance runners with experience in competitions of 10.000 meters, had carried through a test of the ECO (16 km.h-1) correspondent to an intensity mean of 10,7% below of the anaerobic threshold (LA) and 11,1% below of the velocity mean in the LA. Portable ergoespirometer for register of the submaximal oxygen uptake (VO2submáx) and for the register of the kinematic and neuromuscular variables of the distance runners was used one system of capture of the video with two high-speed camera (120 Hz) and an electromyography portable of four canals with 2000 Hz for canal. The value of ECO correspond the average of the VO2submax in last the two minutes of test, in a total of six minutes. The magnitude of the kinematic and neuromuscular variable passing had been determined from the average of three cycles of stride. The tests of “Normality”, “Pearson correlation” and “Multiple Linear Regression” were performed. Direct relations (+) and inverse (-) of the kinematic variables (stride frequency (-28,3%), stride length (+23,0%), angle of the knee in foot strike (-12,7%), vertical oscillation of the mass center (-7,2%), wrist excursion (+5,6%), balance time (+3,3%), angle of the ankle in foot strike (-0,6%) and relative stride length (0,4%)) with the ECO, totalizing 81%, and relations of the neuromuscular variables (EMG of the semitendinosus in the stance (+11,3%), of the rectus femoris (-4,3%) and of the semitendinosus (+3,4%) in the swing) had been verified with ECO, totalizing 19%. Therefore, changes in the technique and the EMG can result in changes in the ECO in distance runners with experience in competitions of 10.000 meters, in intensities next to 10% below of the LA.